BC Hydro awards electricity purchase agreements for three northern B.C. projects

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — BC Hydro will be moving forward with electricity purchase agreements for four new renewable energy projects, including three in Northern B.C. 

According to a news release on May 13th, 2026, BC Hydro is advancing four renewable energy projects, which the province said will “strengthen” B.C.’s clean energy supply and support economic growth. It also said the projects will deliver lasting benefits to communities and First Nations throughout the province. 

Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, says clean and affordable electricity is key to the province’s ability to power itself and grow the economy. 

“These projects significantly expand our electricity supply, supporting long-term growth while keeping power reliable and affordable for people and businesses.” 

In the release, the government of British Columbia said following a complete evaluation process, BC Hydro will be awarding 30-year electricity purchase agreements to the following projects. 

• Bessie Wind Project, Dawson Creek – 251 megawatts
• Sweetwater Wind Project, Dawson Creek – 210 megawatts
• Taylor South Wind Project, Taylor – 201 megawatts
• Nicola Wind Project, West Kelowna – 496 megawatts

The projects were selected in BC Hydro’s 2025 Call for Power.  According to the province, the Call for Power is part of its plan to expand clean-energy supply and infrastructure in order to power economic growth. 

It also said BC Hydro received 14 proposals in response to the call for power, double the expected number.

According to the government, the projects will boost BC Hydro’s Current electricity by 5 per cent by providing 3,500 gigawatt hours, enough to power 350,000 homes. 

Residents can expect the projects to begin coming online as early as 2032, with all projects in service by October 2033. 

Similar to the 2024 Call for Power, which included two projects in northeast B.C., the government said projects involved in the 2025 Call for Power must include a 25 per cent minimum equity ownership held by First Nations. 

It also said the four energy projects will hold a 51 per cent equity ownership. 

Charlotte Mitha, president and CEO of BC Hydro, said the projects will provide it with various power supply options.

“Expanding wind generation strengthens and diversifies BC Hydro’s power supply,” Mitha said. “While our flexible hydroelectric system ensures reliability when wind conditions change.” 

In an Innergex press release on May 13th, 2026, Innergex Renewable Energy and West Moberly First Nations announced BC Hydro’s 2025 Call to Power has selected their Bessie Wind Project. 

The release refers to the Bessie Wind Project as an Indigenous-majority-owned wind project, which represents a continuation of a strong partnership between West Moberly First Nation and Innergex. 

“The Bessie Wind Project reflects the kind of development we want to see in our territory, where Indigenous Nations are active decision makers and economic development is pursued on our own terms,” said Chief Roland Wilson of West Moberly First Nations. 

According to BC Hydro, demand for electricity in the province is expected to increase by at least 20 per cent until 2030. 

For a full list of 2025 Call for Power recipients, visit the BC Hydro website.